IPSWICH — Steven Ewing was crossing Route 1 and had just reached his driveway when he was struck and killed Thursday night.
The tragic news made its way through town yesterday, where many knew the 23-year-old Ipswich native.
"Every time a teacher heard (the news), we all had the same reaction," said Mary Manos, chairwoman of the Ipswich High School math department, who taught Ewing as an upperclassman. "Everyone is shocked and saddened by this tragedy. ... He was a kid that was just so kind. He never spoke poorly of anyone, ever ... (He was) just a good soul."
Ewing was crossing Turnpike Road (Route 1) around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. He was taken to Beverly Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The accident remains under investigation by the Ipswich Police, the Essex County District Attorney's office and the Mass. State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit.
Steve O'Connell, spokesman for the district attorney, said he could not release the driver's name and that no charges had been filed against the driver as of yesterday.
O'Connell confirmed it was not a hit-and-run accident. He said he could not release any additional information, including whether drugs or alcohol were involved, because the investigation is ongoing.
Ewing, a 2007 Ipswich High School graduate, had recently moved in with some friends on Turnpike Road, said his mother, Dianne Souza.
He is a familiar face to many in town, she said, because he worked at Tedford's hardware and lumber in Ipswich, the Ipswich power plant and Ipswich Shellfish. Somewhat of a jack of all trades, Ewing made deliveries, did carpentry and other jobs.
"He was a very hard worker and loved to make people laugh," his mother said. "He had a huge heart, a heart of gold. ... He had an excellent sense of humor in a very dry, sarcastic way.
"He had a tough exterior but a heart of gold."
Tim Henry, director of Ipswich's Utility Department, said Ewing worked as summer help for two years at the town power plant.
"He was a great person, very reliable and a hard worker," said Henry. "Those that knew him here at the Utilities all spoke highly of him and were saddened by the news (of his death)."
Both Manos and Ewing's mother said Steven was known for helping people, from shoveling snow or raking leaves to simply helping a relative up a flight of stairs or offering to help carry something.
"If a teacher or student needed a hand, he would step in and help out without expecting anything in return," said Manos. "That was who he was. He just did it because he wanted to help."
Steve Ewing was older brother to Katrina Ewing, 21, and Paul Ewing, 17. Counselors will be made available to students at Ipswich High School on Monday, where Paul is a student.
Manos, who has taught all three Ewing siblings, said they are "wonderful kids" and a well-liked family.
"I know that a lot of the teachers have really good memories of (Steven) in class," said Manos, who lives in Ipswich. "He was just a generous, sweet kid, and his brother and sister also.
"He's definitely one of those kids that will always be in my memory."
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